WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Rev. Wilbur R. Brandli, age 103, of White Pigeon, passed away January 1, 2021, at home following a brief illness.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 107 East Chicago Road, White Pigeon on Saturday, May 1st at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Steve Kaszar officiating.
Bill was born December 18th, 1917 in Union City, New Jersey. He was a graduate of Hope College, New Brunswick Theological Seminary and studied at the Yale Eastern Language Institute. He devoted his life to providing spiritual care to the communities he served; first as a RCA missionary to the Winnebago Native American tribe and the people of Kulangsu Island in southeastern China, then as a PCUSA minister to churches in New York, New Jersey, and Michigan. He retired in 1985 from First Presbyterian Church in White Pigeon, and was made Pastor Emeritus in recognition of his distinguished service. In 2015, Bill and Gloria were honored as Citizens of the Year.
The memory of Bill’s love and life will live on with his wife of 68 years, Gloria Brandli; children Timothy Brandli, Gail (Pete) Mills; nephews John (Susan) Brandli, Eugene (Lynn) Brandli; grandnephew and niece Patrick Morris, Natalie Morris; grandchildren Tim Jr. (Racheal) Brandli, Nick (Christine) Brandli, Ben Brandli, Sean (Chelsea) Brandli, Shannon Brandli and 6 great-grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be directed to Hospice Services of Three Rivers, or to the Native American Church Property Fund.
